7. "Why is this fellow talking like that? He's saying a very evil thing! Only God can forgive sins!"
8. Right away Jesus knew what they were thinking. So he said to them, "Why are you thinking these things?
9. Is it easier to say to this man, 'Your sins are forgiven'? Or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'?
10. I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." Then Jesus spoke to the man who could not walk.
11. "I tell you," he said, "get up. Take your mat and go home."
12. The man got up and took his mat. Then he walked away while everyone watched. All the people were amazed. They praised God and said, "We have never seen anything like this!"
13. Once again Jesus went out beside the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd came to him. He began to teach them.